Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express

8th December 1827

Charles Knight acquaints the inhabitants of Windsor and Eton, that Mr.W.H.Reynell has succeeded him as Proprietor of the "Windsor Express" and the General Printing Office in Church-street, and he solicits for Mr.Reynell a continuance of the patronage which this long established Office has enjoyed, feeling confident that his experience and exertions will merit whatever support he may receive from the accustomed friends and patrons of this Establishment.

W.H.Reynall avails himself of the above introduction from Mr.Knight respectfully to assure the Inhabitants of Windsor, Eton, and the vircinity, that no exertion will be spared on his part to deserve their patronage. An experience of some years as a London Printer, and an assiduous attention to business, will, he trusts, enable him to give satisfaction to all who may favour him with their orders. The facilities too, which are afforded by the large establishment necessary for the conduct of the Newspaper, will enable W.H.Reynall to execute every order with a promptitude equal to any London Office, while the greatest attention will be paid to the wishes of his employers in the neatness and striking display of all Announcements.
Windsor Express and General Printing Office, Church Street, Windsor, Dec 8, 1827.

Windsor and Eton

In Residence, at Windsor, the Rev.Mr.Markham
In Residence, at Eton, the Rev.J.S.Grover

On Sunday the last divine service was performed before his Majesty, in the dinning room, Royal Lodge, by the Very Rev the Dean of Salisbury. Lord Dudley and the Portuguese Ambassador arrived this day, and had an audience with his Majesty.

On Monday his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence paid a morning visit to his Majesty, and returned to Bushy Park to dinner.

The Duke of Wellington dined at the Royal Lodge on Wednesday, and we believe still continues his visit.

On Thursday Prince Esterhazy also arrived at the Royal Lodge on a visit to the King.

On Friday his Majesty took an airing by Virginia Water, and returned to the Royal Lodge by Sandpit Gate.

His Majesty, it is said , does not intend, as was reported, to receive the Infant Don Miguel in London; magnificent preparations are in progress for his reception at Cumberland Lodge. The prince is expected to arrive on the 14th or 15th inst.

We are informed, that preparatory to his Majesty's residence at the Castle in the spring, Messrs. Sedden, the celebrated cabinet makers of Alderagate-street, have received an order to supply a suite of furniture, in the first style of fashion, consisting of sofas, chairs, consoles, &c., of such costly materials and manufacture, that the charge will be little short of the price of the same in solid silver !

We can state, upon the best authority, that no steps have yet been officially taken for the re-establishment of the Borough Court for the more easy recovery of small debts, although we believe many of the inhabitants are most anxious that something should be done forthwith.

We are happy to congratulate the inhabitants on the commencement of operations by the Royal Gas Light Company. The foundation is already being laid for the erection of the works, which will now proceed with the greatest rapidity.

On Wednesday a report was very generally circulated in the neighbourhood of Sheet Street, that a child had been destroyed by its mother, under perculiar circumstances. The affair having been investigated, however, the correct statement appears to be, that early on Wednesday morning some persons in Keppel Street, Sheet Street, were aroused by piercing cries and groans, issuing from a privy near the place. They sent for Mr.Smith, the high constable, and on his arrival, he found a woman of the lowest description, in a state of intoxication, on one of the seats in the privy, crying bitterly; she stated that she had been delivered, and that her sister, who had absconded, had wrapped up the child in her handkerchief, and thrown it down the other seat. The sister has not since been heard of. The poor creature was immediately conveyed to the workhouse, and Mr.Parker, Sir John Chapman's assistant, attended her, who, upon examination, found a premature birth had taken place. On the removal of the woman. the privy was searched, when the handkerchief only was found.

His Majesty will enjoy Christmas festivities at the Cottage, in the Park, where he continues in possession of excellent health. He lives in the most regular and systematic manner. His Majesty conducts all the public business, connected with Messengers, &c., in the morning, previously to his quitting his chamber, where his Secretary , Sir Frederick Watson, is in attendence. After the Messengers are dispatched to London, the King examines the various plans in progress for the interior decoration of the Royal Apartments at the Castle, where it is at present intended to hold the first Court, and give an entertainment upon a scale of great splendor at Easter. Serious doubts, however , are suggested whether the suite of rooms destined for his Majesty's domestic comfort will be ready by that period. The King is going to erect a Temple upon the verge of Virginia Water, from a pure and chaste design, made by himself. The decorative part is given to Mr.Crace. This temple is not only to constitute an attractive and beautiful ornament, but in case of need, during the royal acquatic excursions on this fine lake, in the summer, is to be converted to the use and comfort of the cortege of the Court.
The public rumours relating to changes in the King's domestic household, are unknown at the Cottege. The worthy Baronet who, since the retirement of Lord Bloomfield, has exercised supremacy in all the subordinate appointments, still seems to enjoy the Royal confidence, and is often at the Cottege two or three days a week. His Majesty is expected very shortly to go to London, for the purpose of visiting the two Metropolitan Theatres. The Duke of Devonshire, a warm patron of Madame Feron, whom his Grace frequently saw and admired at the Theatre at Naples, has, it is said, spoken of this lady's extraordinary voice to the King; and Kramer, the master of his Majesty's private band, having adapted an opera of Mozart's at the rival theatre, his Majesty is induced to gratify his fine musical taste by visiting Drury-lane Theatre first, and Covent-garden afterwards. On the arrival of Don Miguel, two or three entertainments are to be given to him, upon a magnificent scale, at St.Jame's Palace; and it is possible his Majesty will accompany the Prince to each of the Winter Theatres again, as also the Italian Opera House, should it be opne during Don Miguel's stay in England. - Morning Chronicle.

Military Fracas

We have had the honour of a visit from the commanding officer of the 21st battalion, Col.Leahy, on the subject of our last weeks account of the fracas between his regiment and the 2nd Life Guards. Col.Leahy informs us that nothing beyond a common disturbance, arising out of a purely personal quarrel took place; thay no ill-will did or does exist between the regiments; that no persons were wounded; and that altogether too serious an impression was conveyed by our report of the occurence.

We have only to state, that as public journalists, it is our interest, as well as our desire, to give correct information on every subject that comes under our cognizance, and therefore we exclude from our columns any intelligence liable to misrepresentation, unless it can be properly authenticated. In the present instance we had, what we considered, the best possible evidence as to the truth of what we inserted, namely, the concurrent testimony of several respectable eye-witnesses; and it is somewhat singular that we should have been more than once even complimented on the truth and impartiality of this very statement, and on the temper of the few remarks which accompanied it. It is very far from our wishes, either to foment or aggravate any unfriendly feelings among the troops themselves, or to excite an aversion towards them in the minds of the inhabitants, but, as the affair had assumed so important a character, we felt ourselves called upon to insert the statement
which has given rise to these observations. We were not ourselves eye witnesses of the original affray, - although we have been once or twice startled by the heavy clank of the picquet of Life Guards which has invariably been sent out after dark, - we can therefore only notice the conflicting opinions on the subject, and leave it to others who were on the spot to decide the substantial correctness of our report. We are particularly glad to hear that the most amicable feelings exist among the soldiers of the two regiments, which we trust nothing will arise to interrupt. Since writing the above remarks we learn the picquet has been sent out every evening this week, and is still continued. We merely state the fact; from which it is not our wish to draw any deductions.

We also have to advert to a paragraph which has appeared in the Berkshire Chronicle of this morning, on the subject of our report. The affair is here treated in that perculiarly light, off hand style, which betrays a studied purpose. The very tone of the article, independant of the suppression of some important facts and the glozing over of others, virtually amounts to a misrepresentation. In the original account, circumstances are methodically stated, and times and places specified, which are met by these unfair ans sweeping assertions. For instance, the Windsor Express distinctly states that -

" On Thursday evening a fresh disturbance broke out at the Three Tuns, the provocation being afforded by one of the 21st, which was soon quelled by Mr.Hodges, a constable, sending for a file of soldiers from the guard room of the Castle. In this broil, the 21st made use of sword sticks, the Colonel having judiciously ordered the discontinuance of wearing the bayonet. A picquet of Life Guards on Thursday evening paraded the streets from six o'clock till ten, in order to preserve the peace, which came up fortunately at the time."

Now what , we ask, could admit of a more detailed contradiction, if false, than this statement in the Berkshire Chronicle ? What more satisfactory evidence could be adduced of its falsity, than the simple negative of Mr.Hodges, the constable ? But the statement shall speak for itself :-

"We are sorry to see a serious notice taken in the Windsor paper last week of a trifling affray which took place on Tuesday evening in the town, we feel pleasure informing our readers that the town was not held in a state of alarm more than a quarter of an hour. The fact arose from five intoxicated soldiers of the 21st regiment very sillily insulting one of the 2d regiment of Life Guards, who was quietly walking with his wife, and who very properly did all in his power to avoid any unpleasantry; the consequence was, the five soldiers altered their course, ran to the opposite side of the street, and, without any provocation, knocked down another of the 2d regiment of Life Guards, who at that moment was alone; this uncalled for attack, naturally excited the soldier who was first insulted, to fly to the assistance of his comrade; in the affray not more than a dozen of both regiments were engaged, and although the soldiers of the 21st drew their bayonets, we have pleasure in positively stating that not a single bayonet wound was inflicted on any one individual. On the circumstance being known to the officers of the 21st regiment , at their mess, the Colonel and officers ordered out their picquet, with which they proceeded into the town, and by their
soldier like conduct, soon succeeded in ordering the disorderly men to their quarters. We have authority to state these facts from several respectable persons who were eye witnesses of the whole circumstances, and consider it our duty to notice the matter out of justice to the regiments, who have uniformly conducted themselves like soldiers and gentlemen; for the enforcement of order, picquets have every evening since very properly paraded the town. Col.Leahy, of the 21st regiment, brought two of the culprits to court-martial on the following morning, who received the punishment they deserved, and we have further to state, that Col.Leahy has for the future, discontinued the wearing of bayonets, except on duty."

The bare facts that it was found necessary to bring two of the culprits to a court-martial for their conduct, to deprive the whole battalion of their arms for the future, and that a picquet is still required on duty, come in rather an awkward contradiction, and of themselves form a sufficing answer to the above specious paragraph. We take leave to observe, that as the statement alluded to does not bear the impress of truth, neither does it accord with the spirit of strict impartiality which has always characterised that respectable paper.

Surrey Sessions

Daniel Roberts a man of respectable appearance was indicted for accusing Charles Frowd of the crime of a rape upon the person of Eleanor Hughes, and attempting to extort money.
The prosecutor said he resides at Virginia Water, and is the under keeper at his Majesty's park there; knew the prisoner at the bar; on the day mentioned in the indictment , he saw him at the Wheat Sheaf, public house, when he asked the witness to go into the parlour of the house, which he did; the prisoner then asked him if he knew Eleanor Hughes. The prisoner then took a paper out of his pocket, said he was an attorney, charged witness with committing a rape upon that female, and said that if he (witness) would pay £10 the business would be concealed. Witness declared his innocence , and refused to advance the money. The prisoner then said he would take a bill at 21 days date, with a security of his (witness's) furniture, and added, that unless he complied, he was his prisoner, as he (prisoner) was a police officer under Sir Richard Birnie, and that he expected another police officer to arrive in a chaise, who would convey witness to Bow Street. Witness repeated he was innocent, and that he would go any where. The prisoner afterwards said that Eleanor Hughes had sent him down, and recommended that £10 be paid. Witness accompanied him to Egham, and was not handcuffed, on condition that he, witness, would walk quietly; they went to the Little Anchor, at Staines, which was kept by witness's brother; witness here demanded his authority, when the prisoner again produced the written paper. Witness, by the advice of his friends, took the prisoner into custody.

On cross-examination, he said he knew a female of the name of Eleanor Hughes; and he was apprehended two days afterwards on a charge of committing rape upon her; on the 18th of Sept, he had been out drinking with her, but did not keep her out all night; and did not lock her up in a stable all night; she received warning the next morning from her mistress, in consequence of drinking with him and other men; did not know the girl was in London on a bed of sickness; did not promise her £8 to carry her to Wales, her native country; the prisoner said he would have £10 or his (witness's) life.

John Preston and Edward Frowd corroborated the evidence, as far as regards the conversation at the Little Anchor, and added, that unless the £10 was paid, prisoner said he would take the prosecutor before Sir Richard Birnie, and the forfeiture of life would be the consequence.

The prisoner in his defence declared the whole was a fabrication; and he went to the prosecutor as a friend to the unfortunate girl. He held a situation in the India House, and was incapable of the offence with which he now stood charged.

Eleanor Hughes, the unfortunate girl, was placed in the box, and appeared to excite general commiseration. She stated that, of the 18th September last, she was sent on an errand, when she met the prosecutor standing at the door of the Pack Horse, Egham Hill. (contact me at email address above for further details of this case).

Several other witnesses gave the prisoner an excellent character for several years.